Research Infrastructure System Administrator

Harvard University • Boston, MA

7h • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Research Infrastructure System Administrator within the Research Technology Infrastructure (RTI) team, you will support research at HMS by building, configuring, and maintaining the platforms, applications, and databases that enable reliable and secure research environments. You will administer researcher-facing tools and services, including application platforms (e.g., Omero, Globus, Redcap), web-hosted systems, and databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres). The role includes developing APIs, supporting HPC access platforms (e.g., Open OnDemand), and implementing monitoring solutions to ensure system health. You will also contribute to infrastructure automation using modern DevOps practices such as containerization, distributed storage, and orchestration platforms. This role emphasizes operational support, independent problem-solving, and collaborative project work in service of research activities.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience.
• Experience with Linux-based systems administration in a research or academic setting.
• Familiarity with research-oriented platforms and services (e.g., Globus, ELNs, Open OnDemand).
• Experience administering relational databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres) and web-hosted environments.
• Working knowledge of containerization (e.g., Docker, Podman), orchestration, and configuration management.
• Ability to develop and maintain scripts and APIs using languages such as Python or Bash.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to supporting the research mission through reliable and secure infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Configure, maintain, and support research applications and platforms (e.g., Omero, Globus, Redcap, Starfish, ELNs).
• Administer and maintain research databases (e.g., MySQL, Postgres) and web-hosted systems integrated with research computing infrastructure.
• Develop and support APIs, license servers, and researcher portals to facilitate data and service access.
• Support user access platforms including Open OnDemand and HPC account management workflows.
• Implement and maintain monitoring and alerting systems to ensure the health and performance of RTI platforms.
• Develop and deploy application services using DevOps tools such as containers, distributed storage, and orchestration platforms.
• Participate in the full lifecycle of application and platform development, from design through deployment and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot infrastructure, database, and application-level issues independently or in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with researchers and IT colleagues to support evolving research needs and ensure robust and secure solutions.
• Contribute to documentation, best practices, and operational knowledge sharing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree